Battle of the Green Islands

Battle of the Green Islands
Part of the Pacific Theater of World War II

Troops from New Zealand disembark from U.S. Landing Craft Infantry ship LCI-444 to occupy Green Island on 16 February 1944.
Date 29 January–27 February 1944
Location Green Islands in the South Pacific
Result Allied victory
Belligerents
New Zealand
United States		 Empire of Japan
Commanders and leaders
H.E. Barrowclough Hitoshi Imamura
Strength
5,806[1] 120–150[2]
Casualties and losses
13 killed[3] 120 killed,
12 aircraft destroyed[4]

The Battle of the Green Islands was fought from 29 January-27 February 1944, between Japan and Allied forces from the New Zealand 3rd Division and the United States. The Green Islands—located between Bougainville and New Ireland—were part of the Australian Territory of New Guinea. The Allied forces invaded several islands and recaptured them from heavily outnumbered Japanese forces.

Once secured, the Green Islands became a forward base for the U.S. South Pacific Combat Air Transport Command (SCAT), which supplied material and mail to combat soldiers and evacuated the wounded. It also became home to United States Marine Corps fighters and bombers which participated in the allied effort to isolate the Japanese bases on Rabaul and Kavieng.[5] The base's first commander was Lt. Richard M. Nixon, later President of the United States.[1]

Notes

  1. ^ Gillespie, Official History, p. 173. Troops included 4,242 New Zealanders and 1,564 U.S.
  2. ^ Gillespie, Official History, p. 178.
  3. ^ Gillespie, Official History, p. 188. Breakdown of deaths: New Zealand- 10, U.S.- 3.
  4. ^ Gillespie, Official History, p. 188. A few members of the Japanese garrison may have escaped to Rabaul.
  5. ^ Tillman, Corsair, p. 67.

References

External links